Coin Collecting – a facinating hobby
Most people engage in different activities that they consider hobbies. When people consider a particular activity as a hobby, it means that people find that activity pleasurable in that they enjoy collecting different kinds of coins.
In this context, it does not necessarily follow that the coin collector will focus more on the monetary value of the coins. When the focus of coin collecting delves more into the monetary value of the coins than the gratification the collector obtains, it is no longer deemed a hobby but an investment.
History tells us that the main reason other generations collected coins was the value that coins would someday attain. The ancient form of coin collecting was even labeled a hobby “fit for the kings” because ancient coins were so valuable that only the kings were capable of collecting them.
Today’s coin collection is no longer limited to the “kings” or the affluent. Anyone can now consider coin collecting as his or her hobby. The popularity of coin collecting continues to flourish as more and more people collect coins. That is why it is now known as the “King of Hobbies”.
Why Such Popularity
One of the many reasons coin collecting is considered by many as one of the most popular hobbies in the world is based on its ease of access.
When somebody wants to start coin collecting, he can start any time, anywhere. Some people start coin collecting with the coins that they have in their pockets. This phase of coin collecting is known as the “accumulator” stage, where collectors try to accumulate as many coins as they can often using their “pocket change”.
After the collector gets the “hang of” accumulating coins, the hobby becomes more expensive. This is because true hobbyists are willing to pay the price as long as a particular coin will enhance their collection and will beauty to their “masterpiece”. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Selling Coins To a Dealer
Coin collecting can be a lot of fun. This hobby which dates back to 2500 BC is much larger now since people are now able to collect currencies from other countries.
If a person decides to dispose of some of the coins in the collection, it is necessary to know its value by looking at a coin catalog or price guide. There are many ways to do this and one is looking for a coin dealer to do business with.
There are a lot of coin dealers around. Some can be found by asking the local coin club or a numismatist who can give a good referral while others can be found at an auction or in a coin exhibit.
These people frequent such events looking for a good buy to add to an existing collection. A lot of these individuals can also be found on the web.
To be sure that the person is getting a good price from a coin dealer, it is an excellent idea to visit more than one place to find out who is willing to buy it at the highest price. If the person feels that the price is too low, then perhaps it is better to wait until another time since the value of coins depends on scarcity, condition and demand.
Some people think that doing business with a coin dealer isn’t a good idea since this person will offer to buy the coins at a lower price. This notion however is wrong since there are ways to ensure that this person will be honest.
To avoid by being conned by someone who claims to be a dealer, it is necessary to determine that this person is a member of the Professional Numismatist’s Guild. This organization is composed of the world’s renowned collectors of antique coins and paper money. Since there are strict rules that members abide by, one can be sure that the transaction is safe.
Coin dealers are not just there to buy something, these people may also offer for sale a coin that is valuable to the other person. By getting to know the dealer, an agreement can be reached that will benefit both parties, which does not always end mean buying, but also trading or bartering.
Everyone has the potential of making money even if this starts out with only a few coins. By knowing where to find these rare collectibles and doing business with a reputable dealer, one can be sure of making a profit – if not a small fortune.
Starting Coin Collecting
It is never too early or too late to have a hobby. Some people are hobbyists for fun while others see a bigger picture; and that is to make money. Some objects that may seem inexpensive now may become valuable or priceless later.
A few good examples are baseball cards, toys and stamps. Many people have made a fortune by collecting and selling on auction sites like EBay. Another collection that can become profitable is coin collecting.
Getting started is as easy as deciding what kind of collection you want. Coins are made every year and some are introduced years later so focusing on a particular time period and location is important.
Conducting research using reference books or the web can aid in coin collecting. You can learn almost anything about the coins to be collected and will help the collector discover those who want to sell coins.
Another good source of information is subscribing to a coin publication such as Coin World or Coinage Magazine. The local coin shop can also expand the search for those antique coins outside the collector’s city or state.
Being a member of a coin club can build the collector’s network. Some members may want to part with a particular coin in exchange for another, etc.
Coins that are no longer used generally have more value than those that are still active, because coins in the past were made of 100% silver or gold. Since the demand for silver coins increased and they were difficult to produce they are now made of 40% and 60% copper.
After completing the collection, the coins should be stored in a nice folder or album. This will keep them clean and easy for the individual to carry around and display.
Coins can be cleaned by soaking them in any of the following liquids: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice or ammonia which will remove any dirt or encrustation that’s on the coin when it was acquired. Afterwards, they should be air-dried or patted dry with a soft cloth. Rubbing or polishing the coins is not advisable since it scratches and will decrease the market value of the coin.
What price a Coin
There are many resources that can help coin collectors, old or new, in determining the value and worth of the coins they have.
There are books out, “The Red Book” (A Guide Book of US Coins), “The Blue Book” (A Handbook of US Coins), as well as coin newsletters and catalogues available at any public or private library, coin dealers/shops anywhere in the US. There are also online guides for the prices of US coins available on the web, specifically the NumisMedia site.
For a synopsis of the price of each coin, the following are the basic values of each cent, penny, or dime in the market.
The United States wheat-cent, the circulated ones
The price of these coins made prior to 1958, or those that are dated 1940, are currently being purchased by coin dealers for two cents each, or less. Those made before 1940 command a much higher price – from a few more cents to a few dollars.
The silver-dollars
Silver-dollars from the US, especially those made before 1935, have almost an ounce of silver in them. These coins are the favorites of coin collectors and could be sold for more than their actual value in silver if they are undamaged or not worn severely.
The dollars of Susan B. Anthony
If by luck you happen to get one of these as a change, the value is more than a dollar and proof Susan B. Anthony dollars command even more. They are not easy to fine as they are not usually being circulated.
Quarters, dollars and halves – the bicentennial kind
There were billions of these coins made out, and because there are so many of them, their worth is usually just face value. There are coin dealers however who pay ten percent of the face value as premium for circulated bicentennial coins, and a few dollars more for those that are uncirculated.
A freak coin
Believe it or not, there are two-headed coins out there. Basically, these are coins with two different designs on each face. These coins were made in error and mistake was not discoverer until the year 2000. This type of coins is usually called “mules”. In 1999, it was found that a cent with Lincoln’s face on one side and Roosevelt’s dime image on the other existed.
It you find a coin of this it must be taken to a legitimate coin dealer and assessed to determine if is genuine. If so, this coin could be put up for auction and command a few dollars more.
It is therefore true that a coin is basically worth more than meets the eye.
Your Own Coin Collecting Kit
Coin collecting is not as simple as keeping coins: it may be observed from numismatists or even coin enthusiasts that it is a systematic and somewhat complicated hobby. Certain tools must be employed to ensure both fun, discipline and to some extent, good profit.
Here are some of the essential things that must be included in the coin collecting kit.
1. Coin Guides
Coin guides should be used, not just by beginners, but by professional coin collectors as well.
Coin guides give tips on how to start, as well as special instructions on how to proceed with the hobby of coin collecting.
They also provide information on coins, since different coins have different ways of grading, pricing, etc.
It is recommended you read guides before doing starting the hobby to avoid making wrong decisions caused by lack of information.
2. Coin Inventory Record
All items in your collection must be accounted for properly. Information like year, face value, grade, cost, trend, and remarks must always be available for reference.
Inventory Records also help in organizing coin collections. It eliminates the redundancy of coins in the collection by showing the collectors at a glance the items in his collection.
Coin collectors do have options in the method to be used in recording coin information. They may choose the traditional paper-and-pen method, or may use coin collecting software.
3. Coin Containers
To avoid damaging the coins, it is recommended to invest in holders and containers that will give adequate protection.
Just remember that coins react to certain chemicals such as sulfur present in paper and PVC from plastic it is not advisable to use such materials for long-term storage.
4. Silica Gel
The use of silica gel packets is important to maintain the moderate temperature, low humidity atmosphere conducive to coin preservation.
5. Magnifying Glass
Magnifying glasses are a great help when it comes to coin grading. Most numismatists recommend using a 7x magnification, but generally, magnification between 4x to10x will do the job.
The magnifying glass is a great aid in examining the quality and authenticity of the coins. Details like hairlines or scratches, which are not visible to the naked eye, are “big deals” when it comes to coin collecting as they affect the value of coins.
6. Lamp
A light source must be placed half a meter away from the workspace. Recommended light for this purpose may be a halogen lamp, or simply a 75-watt incandescent lamp.
7. Handling equipment
Finger marks reduce the grade of the coins. That is why serious collectors invest in surgical gloves and velvet pads to use when handling coins.
Now our basic coin collecting kit is complete. Enjoy!
Grading Coins easily
Coin collection is not just about having as many coins as possible. More important than the number of coins is the quality of those coins. This quality is measured by the coins’ grade and the grade is measured using a scale from zero to seventy (seventy being the highest point grade). Doctor William Shelby introduced this point scale in his work “Penny Whimsy”.
Here are the classifications of coins according to grade.
1. “Mint State” Coins
This is equivalent to a value of 60 to 70 in the Shelby’s grade scale. This means that the coin has no blemishes whatsoever. Most of the coins in this category are uncirculated, shiny, new coins, with absolutely no signs of wear.
2. “Almost Uncirculated” Coins
The “Almost Uncirculated” coins have a point grade of 50, 55, or 58.
It is very important to note that in these coins, coin collectors must know the locations of the high points in a particular coin. By checking the difference of the light reflected in the high points to the other parts of the coin, an “Almost Uncirculated” coin is separated from the Mint State coins.
3. “Fine Coins”
These can further be classified as” Extremely Fine” (40, 45), “Very Fine” (20, 25, 30, and 35) or “Fine” (12) depending on the sharpness of the remaining details on the coins. The coins are observed to have wear but the designs are still intact.
For “Extremely Fine” coins, the mint luster is still present.
“Very Fine” coins can be compared to coins which have been used for 1-3 years. Minor features of the coins are already gone.
4. “Good Coins”
These coins can be specifically defined as “Very Good” (12), “Good” and “Almost Good” coins.
The coins in this category are worn out. Only weak designs can be observed since the details of the coins in the high points are nearly smooth.
Full rims must be observed for the “Very Good” coins category.
In the case of “Good” coins, the mint mark and the date must be visible.
On the other hand, “Almost Good” coins are the most worn of coins in this category.
5. “Fair Coins”
The coins are “worn out”, but can still be distinguished as belonging to one of the types of coins – as long as one can identify a coin, it is a “Fair C”.
6. “Basal Coin”
These metals that can be determined to be coins – but the kind of coin are undeterminable.
With the classifications described, it will be very easy to grade coins. Just remember that knowledge of the coins’ grades gives coin collectors advantages!
How to Earn Your Coin Collecting Merit Badge
There is more to coin collecting than just keeping coins. There is something at stake for those who make an effort to know what they are collecting: the Coin Collector’s Merit Badge.
A person who wants to acquire a merit badge must prove himself to be someone who knows a lot about coins.
Here are some of the things that a coin collector must know in order to earn the Merit Badge.
1. The Grading Scale
Merit badge aspirers must be very knowledgeable about the different grades of coins. They must master how to assess coins and categorize each coin as:
- Poor
- Fair
- Good
- Very good
- Fine
- Very fine
- Extremely fine
- Uncirculated.
They must also present five examples for each of the categories given above.
2. Coin Terminologies
Coin collectors must familiarize themselves to coin terms such as “encapsulated” coins, “proof” coins or legal tender to get the merit badge. They must be able to determine if coins are “buzzed” or “whizzed”.
They must also show competency in explaining the following:
- Clad
- Date set
- Observe
- Reading
- Reverse
- Type set
3. Coin Storage
For a coin collector to achieve a merit badge, it is important that he knows how to take care, store and preserve coins.
Coin collectors must be able to demonstrate thorough knowledge in coin collecting by showing the councilors different methods of coin storage. It is expected that the advantages and disadvantages of the methods will be provided as well.
4. Coin Anatomy
Knowledge of the parts of the coins will give important information. That is why coin collectors who want a merit badge must know where the mint marks are located in various coins and they must also know where to look for the initials of the coin designer.
5. Miscellaneous things about coins
The councilors will be very pleased to hear stories about what you have learned about coins. These recollections may come from reading coin journals, attending workshops or seminars, joining a coin collectors’ club, or visiting mint facilities.
It is also expected that coin collectors know a lot about coins from other countries as well.
6. Counterfeit coins
A coin collector must have a perception of whether a coin is authentic or counterfeit.
Reading coin guides or interviewing personnel from mint facilities will be a help in this situation.
After knowing these things, you are now equipped with the knowledge needed to be worthy of the coin collectors’ merit badge.
A coin is worth more than face value
Coin collectors, old and new, have always wondered whether the coin or coins they have in their possession are worth more than the face value today – or in the foreseeable future.
Even though that a coin which has little or no value monetarily is not necessarily one would not keep or make part of one’s coin collection.
The following are basic factors which could influence a coin’s value.
How rare or un-rare is it?
Generally, the concept that everyone knows and follows is this: the rarer a coin the higher the coin’s worth. This rule is true in some cases and – fortunately or unfortunately – false on the others.
There was a situation where a Chinese coin, a thousand years old, sold for only a few of dollars because there were many of the thousand-year-old Chinese available. Compare this to a coin made only in 1913, a nickel specifically called a Liberty Head (seen right), which could sell for (hold your breath) one million dollars! It is known that only five of these coins exist, consequently the enormous monetary value.
Is the coin in good condition?
The better the condition of the coin, the better the price that it would bring on the market, because the grade of the coin would match its condition. A coin that is in mint condition – add to this that it is basically an uncirculated coin – is actually worth one hundred times more than a similar coin that is just in average circulated condition.
Demand and supply
Sometimes, when the demand for a specific coin is high, that coin’s worth – despite the number of them available – is just as high.
Take the example of the coin dated 1916-D, and compare it to the value of a coin dated 1798. Many people prefer to collect coins of the 20th century rather than those that are from the 1700’s. The 1916-D dimes sell higher than the much older 1798 coins. The fact that there are more (approximately four hundred thousand) 1916-D coins than there are dimes from the year 1798 (only about thirty thousand), does little to affect the price of each.
Coin buying
There are various sources where those “special coins” can be purchased. The following are the basic methods and starting places to obtain the coin(s) you have long wanted.
Go local
Coin shops are plentiful in most states. Generally your local area or city will have coin shops which you can visit to see if they have the coins available that you want to add to your collection. Most of these coin shops are located in the larger town or cities. Better yet, use your local phone book and start walking those fingers through the pages to find out where the nearest coin shop(s) is located…
These shops provide coin collectors the opportunity to actually examine or scrutinize the coins that interest you. Fortunately, these coin shops are also replete with experts and coin lovers who share your passion and can offer their valid judgment on a particular coin’s grade or value. They can also offer helpful tips as well as advice.
Local coin shops may sometimes have a limited stock or collection of coins and the price they offer them for may be a little bit higher than usual. This scenario usually applies to collectors.
Auctions for coins
There are also auctions specifically for coins. This method is a very effective – if not excellent – way to purchase coins. It is extremely important that prior to attending an auction you know the procedures and rules that apply.
There are various types of auctions; bidding auctions via mail, internet, as well as auctions conducted by phone. Always be aware and wary! It is important to make sure that you set a fixed price on the coin you are about to bid on. Auctions can turn very emotional and aggressive. Practice discipline and try not to bid more than the ceiling price you have set for yourself.
Buying coins by mail
This method is a very convenient and inexpensive way to purchase coins. Most dealers that transact via mail usually have overhead costs that are low so they are able to offer similarly low prices on coins they sell.
Do not forget to thoroughly inspect a particular dealer’s policies before returning an item. Make sure that once you receive your coin, immediately inspect it for authenticity or damage. The coin you must have must be just as you ordered and what you expected.
Coin Collecting Software
Coin collecting is one hobby that has been going on for ages. Some of the most popular collectors in the world were Louis XIV and the Sun King. To keep track of the coins in the collection or to monitor the value of rare coins in the market, it pays to have coin collecting software.
There are many reasons why coins are collectible. Some are valued because of the artwork and others because of certain events in history such as the Great Depression or war .
Whatever the reason, coin collecting software can update a person about these varieties before taking any action.
Some inventory programs contain a comprehensive database of more than 10,000 coins worldwide. The software allows the user to scan pictures in one’s collection and programmed in the database.
Others only have a database of every coin that the United States ever minted. The program allows the user to select the coin and generate various reports about it.
Coin collecting software is there to help a person organize and catalog the coins in one’s possession. Some websites charge a fee to purchase the software but most can be downloaded for free from the internet. The program will work as long as the computer being used is compatible with the software.
There are more coin collectors that collect coins that are still in circulation than those who look only for the rare ones. The study of it is fascinating since a person can learn the history of a nation based on a few coins. Of course, this can only happen if a person has the time to do it.
Coin collecting software has given people an easier way to keep track of coins that they own. Instead of opening countless folders that have different coins in them, a person can just type a few words and the information can be seen on the monitor. This makes it easier for the collector to show his collection a potential buyer in with the hope of exchanging it for another coin of equal or greater value.
The ideal coin collection software program should have good search capability, unlimited number of entries and other special features. By checking the various programs and trying some, the person will find the right one needed for the job. Before downloading it, the person should first have it scanned since software may contain a virus that could harm the computer.